Bricks vs Bagged Clay

In general, unfired clay bricks will have a less labor-intensive installation process than bagged clay. The bricks come pre-compacted and formed so very little tamping is needed, if any at all. They are simply laid in place and covered with topdressing or infield soil. However, close attention and care must be given to the sub-grade preparation before actually setting the bricks in place. The subgrade surface should be very smooth, firm, and flat. It should also mirror the slope of the final grade exactly to ensure an even and safe playing surface.

Bagged clay on the other hand, does not require any sub-grade preparation. The shredded clay will simply fill in whatever contours may exist at the bottom of the excavated area. This process, however, requires much more physical labor in that a tremendous amount of tamping is needed to bond clay layers together and create a firm, solid base.

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Paul Zwaska

A former head groundskeeper for the Baltimore Orioles, Paul has been with Beacon Athletics for two decades. Among his many accomplishments, he authored Groundskeeper University, the first online ballfield maintenance training venue and continues to find innovative ways to help groundskeepers.